In the past few years of Rwandan history, the awareness on cancer was at a low level such that most people knew little or nothing about the tragedy that shatters the gift of life and leaves families devastated( cancer). The Union for International Cancer Control established World Cancer day on February 4th 2000 and in Rwanda, the day has evolved into a positive movement that encourages everyone to speak out against one of the world’s strongest health threats. The theme for the World cancer Day 2022 was, ’Close the care Gap,’ and it aimed at transmitting the message of realization on the lack of equity in cancer care and highlighting the barriers that many cancer patients face in receiving the care they deserve. It also stressed the accessibility of cancer treatment services required for the patients longest survival. The case of Rwanda The estimates released by the International Agency for Analysis on Cancer (IARC) indicated that Cancer cases in Rwanda stand at ten out of 704 new cancer diagnoses. Four out of 520 cases among males and six out of184 cases among females that were registered annually. On the other hand, the mortality rate stood at seven out of 662 cases. These numbers demonstrate the Rwandan population that succumbs to cancer, and this does not only pose both an emotional and financial burden to their families, but also a loss of resources and future brains that the country is losing every year. However, the government of Rwanda and its partners often hold campaigns to raise awareness on cancer and different healthy habits. President Paul Kagame officially opened the Rwanda Cancer Center (RCC) at Rwanda military hospital in Kanombe in February 2020. And according to Rwanda Biomedical Center, the center is averaging 50 patients per day with the ability to treat up to 150 patients per day at full capacity. Also, Butaro District Hospital was opened in 2012, with a 68-bed oncology support and accommodating cancer patients who come as ambulatory chemotherapy patients and out patients. The world cancer day seeks to change the common belief about cancer that nothing could be actually done to avert the healthcare crisis, but in Rwanda, progress towards equity care has been made and people still are optimistic on the lifespan of cancer patients. Medical professionals often suggest that healthy lifestyle choices and regular check-ups can prevent up to 50 percent of cancer cases. But does the population know this, and why are so many people still dying from cancer? Before the pandemic, Rwanda Biomedical Center in collaboration with the ministry of Health often held health promotion activities with a particular focus on cancer, through a variety of activities including mass sports activities, screening and awareness raising messages about risk factors and preventive measures, as well as the benefits of early detection for timely cancer management. Marcellin Murayi Ishimwe is a third year medical student at the University of Rwanda, College of Medical Health Sciences.
